Hi Dave,
Once the train arrived at Wellcox yard in Nanaimo, It was loaded onto a couple of the large ferries that were used either by CP or Seaspan and sent over to The Front Yard Slips in downtown Vancouver, made back into a full train and sent on its way.
The ferry trip was usually about a day, including loading and unloading
These ferries are capable of carrying 18 to 24 of the 89 ft flats and all are now owned by Sealink (Part of the Washington Group of Montana Rail Link fame).
They still ply the waters of the west coast, serving what is left of the E&N
, and several kraft and pulp and paper mills up and down the coast.
By the way, the front yard's west end, including the ferry slips are long gone to make way for the new development on the waterfront such as the new convention center and, probably expensive condos.
Most of the rail barge and ferry traffic is now shipped to Tilbury Island in Delta.
Cheers.
Terry